Silverado-Modjeska Recreation and Park District-
About SMRPD
The Silverado-Modjeska Recreation and Park District (SMRPD) is a California Independent Special District formed on March 22, 1961. SMRPD encompasses the communities of Modjeska, Silverado, Trabuco Canyon, and Santiago Canyon.
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Local History
To the earliest Europeans, who came to the upper reaches of the canyon to harvest pine for their adobes, this was Canada de la Madera (Canyon of the Timber). The first American home-steaders ventured on this land in the middle of the 1800′s. Among the principle undertakings was goat raising. Wild game was everywhere.
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Community Activities & Involvement
We offer an almost endless number of community activities. Hiking, camping, and horseback riding. The Silverado Fair. An Art & Wine Festival. But there is also our Childrens Center, library, and numerous rewarding volunteer opportunities.
About SMRPD
The Silverado-Modjeska Recreation and Park District (SMRPD) is a California Independent Special District with taxing authority formed on March 22, 1961 under California Resource Code Chapter 4, Division 5. The SMRPD is recognized as an Open Space Special District by the Local Area Formation Committee and the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
Community Involvement
We offer an almost endless number of year round community activities. Hiking, camping, mountain biking, and horseback riding just to name a few. The Silverado Fair. Art & Wine Festival. But there is also our Childrens Center, library, and numerous rewarding volunteer opportunities. New and friendly faces are always welcome.
Event Calendar
There always seems to be some many exciting, fun, and educational activities happening across our various canyon communities . It is almost hard to keep track of them all. So we’re doing it for you. Therefore we encourage you to bookmark our Google Calendar. Plus if you have a Google or Gmail log-in you can subscribe directly.
Featured Blog Posts
California Register of Historical Resources #202
Located in Cañada de la Madera (Timber Canyon) was a mining boom town founded in 1878 when silver was discovered nearby. During the colorful life of its boom, 1878-1881, miners flocking to the area established a thriving community, served daily by stage from Los Angeles and Santa Ana. Click here to read more.
The Canyon Orange County We Call Home
This short film captures the essence of why we live here and why so many others come to visit. The video is called Mountain Man and was filmed by Jonathan Formica. Click here to watch this wonderful 14 minutes video.
Maple Springs Ride To The Snow
I’ve ridden to the saddle and beyond several times over the last week. I thought it’d be fun to see the snow and test my skills. The first day I ended up walking the last 1/4 mile to Four Corners because the snow was 5-7? deep. That last day today I came off the bike and fell 5 times. Click here to read more.
Silverado Children’s Center
The Silverado Children’s Center is a preschool and after school center that serves the families in and around Silverado and Modjeska Canyons as well as the surrounding communities of Trabuco, Portola Hills, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Orange and Lake Forest.
Library
The Silverado Library unofficially opened in 1929 when Elsie McClelland, the postmistress, added a few shelves to the log cabin Post Office, and Margaret Morrison, the County Librarian, provided a gift of 60 books. The following year, 1930, the Silverado Library was officially accepted into the County of Orange Library System.
Fire Watch
The Fire Safe Council East Orange County Canyons was formed to provide education, exchange information and foster emergency preparedness, fire prevention and safety in and around the East Orange County foothill and canyon communities.
Canyon Watch
Canyon Watch consists of 63 volunteers from Silverado, Modjeska and Trabuco canyons who patrol their neighborhoods during high risk circumstances, such as Santa Ana winds or dangerous fire conditions. Easily identifiable by their green vests and marked vehicles, Canyon Watch volunteers patrol in pairs on two-hour shifts.
